What’s Up!
@FSR Wealth
Summer updates, fresh renovations, and one very large fidget toy
Welcome to the July edition of What’s Up at FSR Wealth! Josh is back with another candid and colorful update — this time in summer mode, sleeves rolled and tie-free, just back from a family vacation in Banff, Canada. The trip was filled with stunning mountain views, downhill karting in Calgary, kangaroo fondue (yes, really), gymnastics-on-the-go from Maggie, and a five-pound fidget toy that now proudly lives on Josh’s desk. It’s the kind of wholesome chaos we all need a little more of.
Back at the office, we’re knee-deep in a long-overdue remodel. If you visit soon, you’ll notice some big changes: a new, welcoming reception area (a dream nearly 30 years in the making), added conference rooms, and some general layout improvements. Josh gives a shoutout to the great Sandy Hines, who always pushed for this change — and finally, her wish is coming true. It’s going to look great, and feel even better.
We’re also excited about upcoming educational and client events. Social Security workshops return to Arlington Heights in mid-July, and our next quarterly educational event is slated for September 18th at the Morton Arboretum. While we can’t yet reveal the guest speaker, Josh teases it’ll be one of our most exciting yet. And don’t forget — Trivia Night is back in October. Whether you’re a trivia buff or just want a good laugh, it’s always a hit.
On the content front, our June Java with Josh episode about the House version of the Big Beautiful Bill hit a record-breaking 9,000+ views! The next episode will dive into the now-final version of the bill — and it’s packed with important updates for retirees. You’ll also find AE Wealth’s mid-year investment outlook linked here on the page, a valuable read if you’re watching market trends or wondering what’s next.
And don’t miss our “People of FSR” updates: Madison recently swam with otters on vacation, Lily enjoyed the 4th in St. Joe, Erin cheered on her boys in Wichita, and even little Hazel joined Sean and Olivia in Banff. Plus, we’re bringing back something we’ve missed — Cocktail Hour with Josh (featuring Dave’s Mojito, of course). Scroll down, sip something cold, and stay in the loop.
Watch Josh’s video
What’s coming up? Events you won’t want to miss!
Social Security events, client education, and Java with Josh — mark your calendar.
Watch Wednesday’s Java with Josh
Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Is Now Law — What Changes for Retirees in 2025?
On this episode of Java With Josh, we break down a few of the parts of the bill that matter most to retirees—and what they could mean when it comes to timing IRA conversions or deciding whether to take the standard deduction next year.
Add August’s Java with Josh to your calendar!
Apple • Google • Office 365 • Outlook • Yahoo
Have you missed a bunch of shows and need to get caught up? No worries, watch the replays on YouTube by clicking the button below.
What’s up on Saturday morning? Josh’s radio show, of course!
“Own Your Retirement With Josh Bretl” is a new co-hosted hour of topical conversation about all things financial. As always, with a special emphasis on retirees! You can hear all Josh’s insights from 7am-8am CST every Saturday on WLS 890 AM. You don’t want to miss top tips for securing a golden retirement and the peace of mind you deserve!
Our next client education event: September 18th at The Morton Arboretum
We’d love to see you in-person next month for our quarterly client education event on September 18th. We’re keeping the topic secret for now, but if we can secure the speaker that we’re talking with, you’ll want a front row seat.
Please note these educational events are typically for our clients only. We are reserving a limited amount of seats for non-clients. If you’re not a client and are interested in attending, please email or call Michael Senese from our team; 630.993.8200 or msenese@fsrwealth.com. He’ll add you to our wait list and give you the next steps.
If you are a client, you’ll receive an email with more details and the RSVP form in the next 2-3 weeks.
The Morton Arboretum
Thornhill Education Center
September 18, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Topic: Coming soon!
Get savvy about tapping Social Security!
We’ve got multiple complimentary social security events coming up in July at the beautiful Arlington Lakes Golf Club in Arlington Heights. Come and learn how to leverage your federal benefit to best advantage – while avoiding common (and costly) pitfalls. Share the word with friends!
* These events are for folks that have never seen Josh speak or present
Wheaton Community Center
1777 Blanchard Road
Wheaton IL 60189
Tuesday, August 19th @ 11:30am
Tuesday, August 19th @ 6:30pm
Wednesday, August 20th @ 6:30pm
Josh’s recommended reading
AE Wealth Management: Mid-Year Investment Outlook
Despite a rocky start to 2025, markets have shown impressive bounce-back ability — kind of like Josh after too much caffeine. While headlines about tariffs and global tensions stirred things up, strong earnings, steady jobs, and cooling inflation helped keep the economy on track. Looking ahead, there’s reason for cautious optimism, with potential boosts from Fed decisions, policy updates, and global calm. As always, the key is focusing on what you can control: stick to your plan, stay diversified, and don’t let the daily noise throw you off your retirement groove.
Around the FSR Water Cooler
All in the Family
When it come to planning your retirement, the FSR way is all about working together. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients through our multi-step planning process and providing a support team that you can count on not just to help you build wealth but also to (we like to think!) build relationships that enrich your life. In other words, it’s personal! And like any family, we like to share photos of what we did on our family vacay!
Sean and the family headed up to Banff
Sean and his family went up to Banff at the same time as Josh and his family. The backdrops here are stunning, they almost look fake!
Madison hung out with … otters!
Madison got to fulfill one of her lifelong dreams as she traveled up to Delaware to swim with otters! Apparently they’re little thieves, as she was instructed not to wear jewelry or have her phone by her as they’ll run up and snag it!
Lili had a mini vacay up in St. Joe, Michigan
Lili and her family celebrated the 4th of July up in St. Joe, Michigan.
Erin cheered on her boys in Wichita, KS
Her son had a baseball tournament in the great state of Kansas.
Pedals of Joy: Volunteers Build Adaptive Tricycles for Children with Disabilities
Elizabeth B, a client of ours, shared this amazing story!
The Pioneers is a volunteer-driven group that builds therapy-adapted Radio Flyer tricycles for disabled children aged 2–7, at no cost to families. Volunteers gather a few times a year to assemble and customize the trikes in a home workshop, using adaptive features like foot restraints and seatbelts. Pediatric physical therapists request the trikes when they see potential benefits in mobility and coordination, and each child is personally fitted before taking it home. Last month, volunteers impressively built 27 tricycles in just two hours!
She was kind enough to share the Therapy Oriented Tricycles (TOT)
2024 Update pdf. Click the button below to download and read more!
Please keep us up-to-date with whatever dream you’re chasing these days. What’s your latest passion, milestone or bit of silliness? We’d love to share a photo and spread the joy! Send pics to us at msenese@fsrwealth.com!
Josh’s recommended reading
AE Wealth Management Wealth Report
After President Trump announced new tariffs against a wide range of countries early in his second term, talk of a potential recession in the U.S. increased.
The Retirement Dilemma: Leaving Work Doesn’t Guarantee Happiness
Thriving during retirement requires much more than money. Taking a positive attitude towards aging may help us live longer.
Learn to make El Mojito
de Schmidty!
Dave and his wife, Carla, spent spring break down in Puerto Rico. While there, they took a mixology class at the Bacardi plant and learned to make the official Mojito! It’s so darn simple, that Dave brought the recipe back home and taught Josh how craft. the best mojito ever!
Click the link below to watch the video and download a recipe card. Enjoy!
From the archives
But wait! There’s more. A LOT more! Our “Retirement Equals Freedom” podcast offers scores of episodes that’ll give you all the financial basics + some laughs. Co-hosted by Josh and his FSR creative director/high school buddy, Dave Schmidt, the show makes a great launching pad for anyone (that would be all of us!) hoping to make retirement the best part of life!
